ATES Updates_02/23/2024

Upcoming Dates:

02/26-03/01    Read Across America Week
02/28              3rd Quarter Interim Reports go home
02/29              Bingo Night (5:30-7:30pm, ATES Cafeteria/Gym)
03/01              Parent Coffee (9:00-10:00am, ATES Cafeteria)
                       Topic: ESOL Fishbowl - Share strategies
                       and invite parents to observe an ELD lesson
03/04              Family Food Market (3:45-4:45pm, Cafeteria)
03/05              Teacher Workday / Election Day - No school for students
03/07              Family Literacy & Math Night (5:30-7:00pm, Gym & Cafeteria)
03/13              Gr. 3 Field Trip to Colvin Run Mill (3 classes)
03/14              Gr. 3 Field Trip to Colvin Run Mill (2 classes)


Amazing Things
FCPS cares

Ms. Diane Quezada-Bin, our Public Health Nurse, was nominated in recent FCPS Cares. See the submission below:

"Diane Quezada- Bin, a public health nurse and Emily Velez, a dental careers instructor at Falls Church Academy, worked together to coordinate a dental screening for the kindergarten and first grade students at Annandale Terrace Elementary School during two days in the month of October. They worked together to coordinate with Dr. Julie Jung, a dentist, and a former dental careers instructor at Falls Church Academy, to bring in 20 juniors and seniors from Falls Church Academy dental course students to help with running the dental screening. During the screening, they saw about 200 students in kindergarten and first grade at Annandale Terrace, and these students learned about dental hygiene, safety, and received the screening. Emily, Diane, and Julie's combined effort didn't stop at the screening but went above and beyond to coordinate for some of the students with dental emergencies to receive a treatment from local dentists with reduced fees or even free of charge. We are so thankful for these amazing ladies to help coordinate this dental screening for our students at Annandale Terrace Elementary School."
-Essel Linton, Annandale Terrace ES


If you give a teacher a donut, they might want a cup of coffee too. On Valentine’s Day we were happy to celebrate our teachers with delicious donuts and a coffee for always showing our students so much love.

hot coffee

Burke

Here we have Ms. Burke, one our math resource teachers, working with a group of students in a small group. The students were working very hard!


Attendance Matters! The students on this board have demonstrated excellent attendance so far this school year. We are very proud of their amazing attendance.

attendance

Parent Student Lunch

We were so happy to welcome our families to another successful family lunch day on February 15, 2024. We had an overwhelming number of parents join us.


Bingo Night Volunteer Sign-Up

Bingo Night

In order for this evening to be successful, we need some BINGO Night volunteers to help with food sale, table set-up, and etc.! Please sign up via https://forms.gle/ZYdByY8j9EvW12yx8 if you are willing to help.


Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-5 during the week of February 26-March 1. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: 

https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Katie Webb at kawebb@fcps.edu or 703-658-5600.


Read Across America Week

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 3

FCPS is partnering with independent research firm K12 Insight to administer a Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Sunday, March 3, to Friday, March 22. Your feedback is critical in helping FCPS to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs throughout the district. Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment
  • Communication
  • Student success
  • Advocacy
  • Family and school partnerships
  • Community partnerships

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive the survey link via email from K12 Insight. A public link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available in our front office. Please stay tuned for more information.


Yearbook

Purchase your 2023-2024 yearbook now at 

https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob

Early-bird sale! $16.00 until 03/29/2024.  School Code: 13655724


Math literacy Night

💭 Share Your Thoughts on Schoology

FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:

  • Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
  • Secondary students via email from Naviance.

Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups. 

Please contact Schoology@fcps.edu if you have questions. 


Hidden Oaks

SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

March 2, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

View the individual event page if you would like to Add to Your Calendar.

Register for: SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 


Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge

The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 10:45 a.m., at Hayfield Secondary School. The event features a public tasting of student dishes and demonstrations from two local celebrated chefs. 

The student challenge at the heart of this event is to create healthy, delicious, and culturally diverse school menu items that meet USDA guidelines. Entries will be judged by a panel including celebrity chefs, school food professionals, and local food producers. The public is invited to vote for their favorite dish. 

Chefs Najmieh Batmanglij and Chris Morgan of Joon will offer a demonstration at 11:15 a.m. Public tasting of student dishes will get underway at noon. 

Student-created dishes from this annual event have been featured on school menus throughout the Greater Washington Region. It is free to attend, but registration is required.


Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair Open House

Members of the general public are invited to attend the science fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17, 1-3 p.m.


🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.


🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.

💻 Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process

When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Please note that passwords should be more than 12 characters long. If you have an existing account and your password is shorter, please update it when you log in.


SOLPass

SOLPass provides an opportunity for students to practice for the SOL science, social studies, and reading tests. All Annandale Terrace students have access to the site. You may access the site through www.solpass.org/login or by going to Student Resources from our school website.

When you are on the login page, enter our school name and password: annandale. Click Login

SOLPass

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

  • Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
  • Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
  • Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage
  • Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
  • Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Visit the FCPS website for more information.


Tutor.com Teacher-Referred Tutoring

Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com.

A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.

Caregivers can guide students to access expert tutoring, homework help, and writing support by clicking on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal—anytime, anywhere.

Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.


👩‍🏫 Help Students Achieve Their Dreams. Teach for FCPS!

Save the date! Attend FCPS’ instructional job fair on Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Network and take advantage of interview opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. Register today.


Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.


Girl Scout

Register via CBC Registration-Link to gscnc.org (jotform.com)


Adult ESOL Class Locations and Registration Information

📚 In-Person Classes: Alexandria, Annandale, Culmore, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton, Mount Vernon, and Reston

Sign up for in-person English classes by attending any in-person registration event starting January 8 (see flyer for registration dates). To receive schedule updates and registration reminders about the spring session, please fill out our Interest Form.

 

Spring 2024 Class Offerings

Beginning English Classes

Beginning English classes teach the foundational skills adult English learners need to speak, understand, read, and write English. Classes are held at least twice a week for two-hour class sessions at three academic levels. Curricula focuses on basic English skills within the context of day-to-day interactions and life skills, U.S. culture, community, and family life.

 

English Classes for Parents and Caregivers

These classes provide English language instruction for parents and caregivers, empowering them to be their child’s first teacher and engage in their children’s education. While parents are in class, children participate in reading and writing activities and receive help with their homework. Twice a month, children join their parents for whole-family literacy activities.

 

Skills-based Classes

Designed for those who would like to focus on a particular language skill, we will offer two skills-based classes in the spring: Intro to Writing (eligibility by oral proficiency assessed at intake) and a FREE Conversation Class.

 

English-for-Work

This popular online course is for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to improve their employability and learn the language skills they’ll need in the workplace. Students learn best practices as they study the job search process from producing strong resumes and cover letters to preparing for interviews and understanding American workplace culture.

 

All classes are $85 unless otherwise indicated. As always, the English Empowerment Center will never turn away a learner due to financial challenges. We will work with their means. Thanks in advance for sharing this information with the English learners in your networks.

 

Please see the Spring 2024 class schedules via here: Spring 2024 Class Schedule.pdf


🩹 The Importance of Up-to-Date Immunizations

Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ healthcare providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated online in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form. To access that form, click Online Packets in the top right of the screen after logging in to SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers can obtain an activation key letter to activate their SIS ParentVUE account by contacting the main office 703-658-5600.


Talent UPJob seeker

Summer Youth Sports Camps

Summer Camps are accepting pre-registrations.  Summer Youth Sports Camps are held at Annandale High School and run 8:30am-3pm.  Camp will be $120 again this year.  Sign up before March 1 and receive the $100 early bird rate.

  • Multi Sport Camp: June 17,18, 20,21. No camp on June 19th.
  • Olympics Camp: June 24-27th- No camp Friday.

Pre-Register Here: https://bit.ly/AHSCAMP24


🥁 Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps

Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. 

Tech Adventure Camp is available for current grade K-5 students to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for elementary students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.


Camp

Camp2

CTE
CTE